The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Lagos State Command, has recorded another milestone in its ongoing efforts to reform, rehabilitate, and reintegrate inmates into society, as inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ikoyi, successfully completed their vocational training in carpentry and were awarded Trade Test Certificates by the Federal Ministry of Employment, Labour and Productivity.
The certification exercise was conducted in partnership with the Centre for Legal Support and Inmates Rehabilitation (CELSIR), led by Barrister Joke Aladesanmi, with support from various collaborating organisations committed to inmate development.
As part of the practical component of their training—and in a gesture aimed at giving back to society—the benefiting inmates produced 200 tables and chairs which were donated to indigent children in the Makoko area of Lagos State. The furniture items, which formed part of their practical assessment, were widely commended for their quality and finish, reinforcing the effectiveness of correctional skill acquisition programmes currently running in the Centre.
The presentation ceremony was attended by the Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, Mr. Daramola George, and the Officer-in-Charge of Ikoyi Custodial Centre, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Ebereonwu Julius Ogueri, among other dignitaries. Speaking during the ceremony, the Controller praised the inmates for their commitment to personal transformation and encouraged them to utilise the skills acquired as a pathway to lawful and productive living upon release.
He stated that society has given them “a second chance at life,” urging them to become positive contributors to national development and potential employers of labour in future. He also emphasized the importance of discipline, responsibility, and continued personal development.
This initiative complements the broader reforms presently championed by the Controller-General of Corrections, Mr. Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, who recently visited Lagos for an Inmates’ Exhibition at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri. The exhibition showcased a range of products crafted by inmates, underscoring the Service’s unwavering commitment to rehabilitation through skill acquisition and empowerment.
The Nigerian Correctional Service reaffirms its dedication to the Reformation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (R-R-R) mandate, ensuring that inmates are equipped with employable skills that support successful reintegration into society as self-reliant and law-abiding citizens.
The Service calls on members of the public to support the reintegration of ex-offenders by patronizing their products, stopping stigmatization, and partnering with the service to provide training materials and equipment. Collective community support remains vital to strengthening rehabilitation outcomes and promoting safer, more inclusive societies.
Signed
Public Relations Unit
Nigerian Correctional Service
Lagos State Command
